Van Halen and Orioles slug it out

About a year ago, Van Halen sued the Baltimore Orioles for breach of contract, claiming that the Orioles backed out of a deal for the band to play its first-ever concert inside Camden Yards.  Last week, U.S. District Judge William Matthew Byrne denied the Orioles’ motion for summary judgment and the case is going to trial.

Coincidentally, Van Halen has another legendary association with the law of contracts.  The band pioneered the way for musicians with its very extensive use of the contract rider.  The band’s rider contained an infamous clause which required the removal of brown M&Ms from the backstage candy bowl.  Apparently, this clause is no longer in the band’s contract rider, though it does still contain detailed food and booze requirements.

[Meredith R. Miller]